Port of Gulfport Expansion Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement

MOBILE, Ala.-- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, (USACE) Mobile District, has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Port of Gulfport Expansion Project. The DEIS evaluates the potential impacts from expanding onsite facilities and expanding the port’s turning basin at the Port of Gulfport.

A public hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday December 8, 2015, at the Gulfport Marriott at 1600 East Beach Boulevard, Gulfport, Mississippi 39501, as indicated on the enclosed map.  The public hearing will be held to provide information about the proposed project and to receive public input and comments on the DEIS.  USACE invites full public participation to promote open communication on the issues surrounding the DEIS.  In addition, participation by Federal, State, local agencies and other interested organizations is encouraged.  Both oral and written statements will be accepted at the hearing.  An informal open house will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. in the Gulfport Marriott to allow the public the opportunity to become familiar with the proposed project prior to the start of the formal hearing.  Displays of the proposed project and associated impacts will be available.  Representatives of the MSPA will be present to answer questions concerning the project and USACE representatives will be available to answer questions concerning the USACEs Regulatory and Civil Works processes.

The public hearing will be conducted in English.  Those in need of language interpreters should contact the Corps’ Public Involvement consultant, Crouch Environmental Services (713) 868-1043, by Tuesday, December 1, 2015.

The DEIS will be available for public review and comment on the internet at http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory.aspx  for a period of 45 days beginning October 30, 2015. Hardcopies of the DEIS are available upon request from Mr. Philip A. Hegji, Corps Project Manager.  Please provide comments by email to Mr. Hegji at philip.a.hegji@usace.army.mil. Comments may also be mailed to Mr. Hegji at USACE Attn: CESAM-RD-M, P.O. Box 2288, Mobile, AL, 36628-0001. Comments are due by December 14, 2015.

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